Gomez308-
I agree that the accident I posted has less to do with SAS or autopilot, and more to do with pilot decision making. My point is that without the proper tools, if you go IMC inadvertantly or intentionally (makes no difference to me), you are taking incredibly enormous risks.
I've flown a bunch of time under the hood in the R-22 and R-44, doing everything by myself, with no assistance at all- and that is the way I taught my students to fly IFR in the R-22, as well. Later in my career, flying 412's and S-76's IFR dual pilot was a real eye opener- it was relaxing and it made sense.....very unlike when I had to fly that R-22 for IFR x-country flights under the hood.
I have no doubt that there will be/are some people taking the IFR paneled R-44's out for a spin in the clouds. What a stupid thing to do.
I've flown IFR IMC without an autopilot, but I would never attempt it without SAS. One distraction and you are a goner.